Exercise for Chronic Disease Relief

Exercise for Chronic Disease Relief

For people who suffer from a chronic disease, exercise can decrease discomfort, improve daily functioning, and enhance overall quality of life. There are many choices in what type of activity you might choose. Overall, find something that you enjoy doing and a place that is comfortable for you to do it in.
Although being physically active in general is good for anyone, some exercises provide specific benefits. Here's how different types of exercise can help people with specific chronic diseases.

These are exercises that increase the power, tone, and efficiency of individual muscles by contracting isolated muscles against resistance. An example is lifting weights. The increase in heart rate is short-lived compared to aerobic exercise.

These are exercises that improve or maintain the flexibility of your muscles. Good flexibility is important to keeping a full range of motion and decreasing your chances of injury. Ideally, you should stretch after each exercise session.

Disease Impact

Overall, all three types of exercises are important in an effective program. However, the list below demonstrates how a certain types of exercise can directly impact your specific health condition.

Heart Disease

Researchers and healthcare professionals have found that regular exercise reduces the risk of having a ]]>heart attack]]>, particularly for people with ]]>coronary artery disease]]> (CAD).

Type of exercise that can reduce risk of heart disease and heart attack—Aerobic exercise

High Cholesterol

]]>Cholesterol]]>
is found in cells throughout your body. Although it tends to get a bad rap, cholesterol is actually essential for life. It only contributes to heart disease when you have too much of certain types of cholesterol or too little of other types.

According to Richard Stein, MD, spokesperson for the American Heart Association, regular aerobic exercise will raise the "good" cholesterol (HDL) and moderately decrease the "bad" cholesterol (LDL). He emphasizes that when exercise is combined with a healthy, low-fat diet, these changes can be significant.

Type of exercise that have been shown to improve cholesterol levels
:
Aerobic

Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of the body's insulin production and usage, and it is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. If there is not enough insulin, glucose (fuel for all cells) cannot get from the blood to the cells. As a result, the body is essentially starved and the glucose builds up in the blood. Exercise can make the cells more sensitive to insulin, and more glucose can move from the blood into cells.

"Exercise improves the sensitivity of the body's cells to insulin and therefore, improves blood glucose control, as well as many other cardiovascular risk factors," says Charlotte Hayes, MMSc, RD, a certified diabetes educator.

"Moderate exercise has been shown to control blood pressure by increasing the efficiency of the circulatory system," says Marlene Janco, MS, RD, a consultant who promotes the Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease. "The blood pressure lowers because the heart muscle pumps better, the blood vessels are more relaxed, the heart requires less oxygen to work, and the kidneys function better."

Types of exercise that have been shown to lower blood pressure
:
Aerobic
and strength training

Stroke

A ]]>stroke]]> occurs when not enough blood is reaching part of the brain. This causes the cells in that area to die. "A high-intensity workout developed to meet the specific needs of the individual is a key element in helping a patient recover from a stroke," says Susan Barker, PT, PhD, professor of physical therapy at Misericordia University.

Exercise may improve strength and coordination of the affected muscles. A stroke can create some physical impairments. Exercise recommendations may vary depending on the severity of the stroke and the person's limitations.

"Physical activity is a missing link for many people in treatment for cancer," says Diane Doster, MS, founder of CancerFit in Sedona, Arizona. "Moderate exercise combats fatigue and reduces nausea and ]]>depression]]>." Studies suggest that cancer patients who do not have depression have a better chance of survival than those who do.

Types of exercise found to boost energy and mood
:
Aerobic and strength training

Continuous motion is essential for the health of your joints, especially arthritic ones. Regular exercise promotes strength and flexibility, and helps preserve the resiliency of joint surfaces. This is especially important in the legs and feet where breakdown of joint cartilage contributes to ]]>osteoarthritis]]>.

"Bones are alive and constantly under construction, as well as demolition," says Michael LeRoux, MS, DC, founder of Ocean State Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation in Providence, Rhode Island. Weightbearing exercises maintain bone density and strength by tipping the balance in favor of bone formation.

Felicia Cosman, MD, clinical director for the National Osteoporosis Foundation adds that muscle strength is just as important as bone strength, because it helps prevent falls—a major cause of fractures.

In any condition, a well-rounded exercise program will have all three types of exercise involved. Aerobic exercise will increase your endurance and ability to get through longer workouts. Strength training will build muscle strength and allow you to tolerate higher intensities as well improve balance and agility. Stretching can decrease stiffness and increase mobility.

Talk to your physician before beginning any exercise program. You can also consult with an exercise specialist to help you develop a routine.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.